While the most talked-about topic surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason has been the rumors surrounding a potential LeBron James departure, one thing that has fallen under the radar is the situation surrounding the contract of recent superstar pickup Luka Dončić.
Dončić is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, and he’ll be eligible to sign a multi-year extension in a few weeks. The Lakers hope to build around the Slovenian generational talent going forward, and the five-time All-Star may have just provided a major hint that he is planning to stay in Los Angeles for a while.
What Did Luka Dončić Say About His Lakers Future?
Recently appearing on an insider’s look on the official Lakers YouTube channel, Dončić dropped a major hint that could indicate where his mind is going into the future, as questions continue to be asked surrounding his contract situation going into 2026.
During the video released by the Lakers on Saturday titled “Luka Dončić: Born to Compete, Destined to Dominate,” Dončić was asked how he wants to be known as a Laker, as the 26-year-old dropped an answer that could mean everything to fans of the franchise.
“The guy that brought championships to the city, for sure,” Doncic revealed during the segment. That’s a significant hint showing precisely where his head is with the former Dallas Mavericks star revealing he wants to be in Los Angeles for multiple years to win numerous championships.
How Much Could Dončić Earn With a Lakers Extension?
Starting August 2, Dončić will be eligible to sign an extension with the Lakers. He could secure a deal starting at 30 percent of the salary cap, with eight percent annual raises, potentially earning upwards of $229 million through the 2029-30 season.
Despite the Lakers’ focus on Dončić, there is no guarantee he will stay with the team beyond the 2026 season, with the potential to play out next season and enter free agency in 2026. However, this is not a concern, according to recent reports.
Smart, a three-time All-Defense first team guard, will have a player option on his new Lakers deal to enter a more flush 2026 free agency, sources said. Point of attack defender was a position of need for L.A. as well — with Luka Doncic recruiting and reaching out to Smart. https://t.co/POZfSea5sU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
After signing DeAndre Ayton and Jake LaRavia during free agency, the Lakers also recently acquired former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. According to reports from The Athletic, Dončić was significantly influential in all of these deals.
“Dončić, according to league sources, had communicated his desires for a capable rim-running center, shooting help, and defensive support,” Dan Woike wrote for The Athletic. “The Lakers responded by filling those needs with DeAndre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and, soon, Marcus Smart.”
In his report, Woike also wrote that Dončić’s “championships” comment, coupled with him recruiting free agents and helping guide the Los Angeles’ offseason moves, has “the Lakers confident they’re in alignment with Dončić in their plans to build a championship roster.”
Following these offseason moves, the Lakers’ intent has never been clearer: The franchise is moving forward with Dončić as its centerpiece, with him playing a big role in every decision they make, even working behind the scenes in recruitment.
While some fans of the franchise may be concerned over the apparent new “face of the franchise,” potentially leaving in the future, after his recent interview and the latest reports, that concern may have been lightened a little as a decision awaits.
